This course is aimed at anyone who wants to start-up and manage a Commercial Aquaponics farm. We will guide you through planning, economics, operation, feasibility, and equipment utilised in the industry.

You will learn:

• A world-renowned, innovative approach to sustainable food production from the oldest established Aquaponic trout farm in the EU specialising in gourmet fish production and added value production.
• How the aquaponics industry has diversified and adapted to modern demands.
• The techniques and equipment essential for running a successful commercial aquaponic system.
• The practical skills used in Aquaculture farming and applied methods of Hydroponic production, utilised by industry experts.
• The commercial Aquaculture licensing and regulation requirements to help you to comply with industry standards.
• Critical business thinking to develop your commercial set-up, helping you to avoid costly mistakes and focus resources on the right places.

Course outline:

1. The industry today

• • – Application of the Aquaponics industry
  • – The status of Commercial Aquaponics
  • – Hydroponics
  • – Aquaculture – RAS
  2. Aquaculture
  • – Tanks
  • – Advantage of hydrodynamic
  • – Suspended solid management
  • – Sumps
  • – Bio-filters
  • – Oxygenation devices and diffusers
  • – Water pumps controls
  • – Sterilisation
  • – Fish stocking density
  • – Harvest management and fish harvesting
  • – Feeding devices
  • – Commercial antibacterial solution
  • – Biosecurity and disease management
  • – How to achieve a clean taste in fish
  3. System components – Horticultural knowledge
  • – Floating Raft (D.W.C), NFT, Media-filled Systems, drip-fed, vertical
  • – Coupled/de-coupled systems approach
  • – Aquaponic system management
  • – System operation and maintenance
  • – Commercial greenhouses structures
  • – Greenhouses environmental control (passive, active)
  4. Design, construction, system redundancy
  • – Customised system design
  • – Choice of construction material and suppliers
  • – GSM remote alarms and sensors
  • – System back-up’s
  5. Economics of commercial AP
  • – Retail finfish demand and supply
  • – Strengths and weakness of AP production
  • – Evaluation of Plant and Plants production rates per m³
  • – Added value production
  6. Water
  • – Water quality test and testing equipment
  • – Water quality monitoring and control
  • – Aquaponic water parameter standards
  • – System water input sources management
  7. Plant culture
  • – Identify a niche market
  • – Seed propagation
  • – Efficient crop management practice
  • – Crops optimal culture methods
  • – Conventional parasite and disease control management
  • – Plant nutrient deficiency
  • – Managing nutrient availability
  • – Additional nutrient sources and suppliers
  8. Legislation
  • – Become an authorised Aquaculture Production Business
  • – Fish transport legislation
  • – Fish regulation and dealing with farm inspection
  • – Fish movement record
  • – Disposal of fish waste
  • – Handling hygiene and Food safety at the premises
  • – Insurances

You will be guided through the technicalities of Aquaculture farming and the applied methods of Hydroponic production, to implement the best techniques for your own project.

We will teach you all you need to know about the management of commercial aquaponics farms and systems, which has helped many aquaponics businesses around the world to thrive.

We will provide you with a Business Plan workbook and a Worksheets framework in which to compile and organize the information needed to draft an Aquaponics business plan.

Additionally, a folder of useful digital material including:

• Business Plan Templates and Excel Sheets
• Financial Planning Worksheets
• Crop Yield Planner
• Operating Costs Excel Worksheet
• Resource Downloads

Together we are changing the way the world approaches farming, for a more sustainable future for all.

Bioaquafarm is the UK market leader, in my opinion, for aquaponics instruction (from backyard to commercial) and experience. Courses are both highly instructive, sensitive to individual needs and questions, and all delivered with Antonio and Amanda’s infectious enthusiasm and exceptional hospitality. Jeremy Burnell, UK

A very well-presented course with so much information. Everything you would need to set up a professional operation. Ed Lindsell, South Africa

My second course here ‘A thoroughly enjoyable and insightful weekend by Antonio. Extremely valuable and highly recommended, great networking too! Huge thank you! Ande Gregson, Green Lab, London

First class course- Best available. Very deep level of knowledge, extremely thorough and delivered with so much infectious enthusiasm and inspiration. Thank you very much. Katherine Headlam, UK

Registration information

Includes:

• Detailed Business Plan Templates
• Financial Excel Worksheets
• Resource Downloads
• Lunch made with many delicious ingredients from our farm
• Snacks and refreshments on both days
• Commercial Aquaponics Certificate on completion